Specsavers has received menopause-friendly accreditation due to recognition of its support for employees through effective and comprehensive training.
Established by Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, the accreditation recognises high standard and proven practices that embrace menopause in the workplace. Employers are assessed by an independent panel and must demonstrate evidence of their effectiveness in their culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, facilities, and evaluation.
Specsavers received accreditation due to its launch last year of MenoTalk, an employee-led menopause community network that provides a safe space to discuss, listen and share menopause experiences. According to the employer, the group has brought training to life and regularly meets to share feedback to help build a menopause-friendly working environment.
Louise Furby and Carolin Millken, MenoTalk group co-chairs at Specsavers, said: “We set up our MenoTalk colleague group to give everyone affected by menopause a safe, confidential space where members can share experiences and get practical advice. Being awarded the Menopause in the Workplace accreditation is testament to the supportive environment this has created. We look forward to continuing to expand on the advice, support, and education throughout the business.”
Deborah Garlick, founder and chief executive officer of Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace, added: “Specsavers has done exceptionally well to achieve the accreditation and deserve credit for the success of its MenoTalk programme. We know that open discussions, supportive conversations and creating a psychologically safe environment are key to making lasting and meaningful change for staff. I have no doubt that Specsavers staff will feel the benefit of it being a menopause-friendly employer and hope this positivity will cascade to its customer community as well.”
Specsavers offers its employees a private medical plan, access to a virtual GP and the Headspace app, eyecare vouchers, death in service cover, free flu vaccinations, a cycle to work scheme, a profit share scheme, a car allowance, access to retail discounts, and the chance to choose life assurance and critical illness cover, travel insurance and buy and sell annual leave days.
